Negeri Sembilan: The Negeri Sembilan Customs Department’s Enforcement Division has successfully thwarted a chewing tobacco smuggling attempt, with the total seizure, including duties, estimated at RM997,632.19, on March 1. Its director, Muhammad Queek Abdullah, announced the operation’s success, highlighting the department’s ongoing efforts against illegal trade practices.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, at 11.45 am, a team from the Customs Operations Unit seized a container from India at the West Port, Klang, Selangor, on suspicion of making false declarations regarding trade in manifest documents which required an import permit. The inspection uncovered 72 boxes containing 174.89 kilogrammes of tobacco and 318 boxes holding 2,862 kilogrammes of pan masala chewing tobacco. The total estimated value of the seized items was RM581,786, with taxes amounting to RM395,845.77.

Chewing tobacco is a prohibited import item, requiring an import permit under Item 66 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023. All items and containers originating from India were seized under Section 114 of the Customs Act 1967 for further investigation. The department suspects that the goods were intended for the local market.

A local shipping agent, in his 40s, was detained to assist in the investigation, and the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967. The director urged the public to assist the department in combating smuggling crimes, especially those involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, and vehicles, and advised against participation in such activities.

Smuggling activities not only harm the country in terms of revenue leakage but also pose a threat to national security and the well-being of the people. The public can channel information related to any smuggling activity by contacting the department’s toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855, or at http://aduan.customs.gov.my or the nearest Customs office in all states.